Optimizing green hydrogen integration in grid-connected hybrid renewable systems: Techno-economic and sensitivity analysis in hot desert environments

Abstract

• The study aims to boost the HRES contribution to Algeria's grid by tackling the current gap in integrating solar, wind, and fuel cell energies, which is essential for meeting the nation's renewable energy goals for 2030. • The system is tailored for Kabertane, a Saharan city in Algeria, to supply a daily load of 1 MWh. The design takes into account the region's distinct climatic conditions, such as high potential of solar and wind, to maximize electrical power production. • The configuration comprises PV panels, wind turbines, and a FC, carefully chosen to optimize energy production, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. • The best system for Kabertane is a PV/WT/FC grid-connected hybrid design, as found by simulations utilizing HOMER Pro software for satisfying the energy demands of this specific site. • The techno-economic analysis shows the system can provide 1000 kWh daily at a COE of 0.127 $/kWh, with a break-even point in 2.36 years and a return on investment of 36.8%, demonstrating its economic viability and potential to reduce fossil fuel dependence. Driven by global hydrocarbon depletion and escalating environmental concerns, this research addresses the critical need for sustainable energy transitions in Algeria to meet 2030 renewable energy targets. This study investigates the techno-economic feasibility and environmental sustainability of a grid-connected Hybrid Renewable Energy System (HRES) optimized via HOMER Pro to satisfy a 1 MWh daily load in the Saharan climate of Kabertane. The primary objective is to design a synergistic configuration of Photovoltaic (PV) arrays, Wind Turbines (WTs), and Fuel Cell (FC) that mitigates renewable intermittency while reducing fossil fuel dependency. Optimization results identify the PV/WT/FC grid-connected architecture as the optimal topology, achieving a 92.2% renewable energy fraction and a minimized Cost of Energy (COE) of 0.127 $/kWh. Financial indicators demonstrate robust viability, featuring a Net Present Cost (NPC) of $1.42 million, an Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 42.4%, and a rapid payback period of 2.36 years. Environmentally, the system facilitates an 83% reduction in Carbon Dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions compared to traditional grid reliance. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis confirms the configuration’s resilience against resource variability and capital expenditure fluctuations, providing a scalable framework for enhancing energy sustainability in desert environments.